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This is a hopeful and optimistic presentation of what is happening on the ground, and it is important that this get coverage.
However, there is a concern regarding the conflict inherent in pluralism that has to be addressed. There is the classic, unavoidable issue of kashrut which invariably precludes mutuality. An individual who does not observe kashrut can eat in the home of one who does observe kashrut when attempts are made to promote “coexistence,” tolerance and mutual respect and understanding. Yet that can not work both ways. The concern becomes far greater if a workplace has to accomodate gender separation, if that were to disfavorably affect the number of women employed in a particular workplace, or restrictions upon women that might result from respect for needs of Haredi men.
It should be better for everybody, and for our economy, if more Haredi men and women join the workforce, but all of the implications warrant consideration and planning lest one sensitive issue incite another.

The revolution Dr. Westheimer refers to is happening at the Ono Academic College Haredi campuses. We believe that the Haredim are capable of much more than vocational training – we are providing them with the opportunity to acquire a full college education in professional subjects such as law, business, accounting, banking, information systems analysis, marketing and advertising and soon, occupational therapy. Over 2,000 students who want to provide parnassa for their families study at the Ono Haredi campuses, which were adapted simply by providing administrative conditions which honor the Haredi way of life without compromising academic standards. 2,000 Haredi Ono graduates have already found their places in professional positions, significantly changing their economic status and the future of their children. The numbers speak for themselves. Dr. Westheimer is right that when we use common sense we win over demagoguery and the result is a resounding win-win for all of Israel.
Judy Arad, Director of Foreign Relations, Ono Academic College, Kiryat Ono, Israel – [email protected]

Thank you Dr. Ruth for providing us with an inside glimpse of a vibrant community which is all too often negatively stereotyped by the non Haredi world. Bottom up change is indeed much more powerful than top down models in almost any sphere, especially in the world of education. I very much look forward to seeing your documentary film when it is aired.

Excellent and enlightening article. As one who lives among those who might be considered the “Haredim” of America, I might offer that there is a similar (perhaps less driven) effort–at least on the part of women–to enter the workforce and earn for their families: very often in technology/ computers from a home-office, so that they are able to care for young children simultaneously.
I would like to respectfully address the first commenter: Having been raised Conservative and now being what some might call “very Orthodox”, I think that tolerance and accommodation go both ways. Perhaps those who are not “Orthodox” have become so jaded by stories (or an experience) of an offensive or intolerant Orthodox group or person, that this is what is expected…and therefore what is seen? Personally, I not only have friends who are not Orthodox, but who are not even Jewish. I keep kosher, they don’t. We can still be friends, because we both understand and respect that “you do your thing, I’ll do mine”. That means that when I have a meal–or spend a week–with a non-kosher (or non-Jewish!!) friend, yes, I bring my own food. But my friend is OK with that, because it’s understood that I choose to keep different dietary laws.
I think that perhaps both sides (Orthodox as a group are just as guilty of stereotyping, I’m not letting anyone off the hook) might benefit from stepping back and examining what fears and biases they walk into a situation with….and then try to be mindful (and put it aside, if possible) of those “buttons” in evaluating what “works”. At the end of the day, religious groups are made up of individual people…some are kinder than others, some more respectful than others, and some less so. It’s important to keep that in mind, so that “pluralism” as a big-picture doesn’t get sacrificed for the details of a few “bad seeds” who can’t get along.
Just my personal experience, having walked on both sides….

I appreciate Dr. Ruth’s encouraging words, but I’ll offer a few points.

First, it is discouraging that there isn’t more movement on the men’s side. Yes, it’s all well and good that women are moving “away from the house” and taking on serious tasks. But should they be the sole breadwinner while the husband/father “studies” – a task at variance with long-held Jewish tradition that a father should teach his son a trade so he won’t be a burden on the community, as well as the suggestion that study without gainful employment leads to sin.

Second, when these folks – men or women – graduate from their “kosher” training, they’ll soon enough have to deal with clients, customers and colleagues of the opposite sex. If they can’t handle that, they’ll be seriously restricting their opportunities.

Finally, demographic growth in the haredi sector is outpacing the movement into the army and workplace. So while any progress is to be commended, the change needs to accelerated if they’re not to fall farther behind.

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